Back January 30, 2025

The 5 Best Bread Books for Every Sourdough Obsessive

There’s something magical about baking bread, transforming flour, water and salt into a loaf with a golden crust and aerated crumb. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with your first starter or a seasoned pro chasing the perfect bake, the right book can make all the difference. From legendary bakeries to home-kitchen breakthroughs, these five books are essential reading for bread lovers. They don’t just teach you how to bake; they take you deep into the world of fermentation, technique and the sheer joy of bread-making.

1. “Tartine” by Chad Robertson: The Sourdough Bible

If you’ve ever swooned over a bakery-style loaf with a deep, caramelised crust and an airy, open crumb, chances are it was inspired by Tartine. Chad Robertson, the mastermind behind San Francisco’s iconic Tartine Bakery, cracked the code for the ultimate sourdough and in this book, he shares it all.

Why You Need It: This isn’t just a cookbook. It’s a thorough guide to naturally leavened bread, perfect for those obsessed with getting that picture-perfect sourdough. The step-by-step method is detailed, so patience is required, but the results are absolutely worth it.

2. “Poilâne” by Apollonia Poilâne: A French Icon’s Secrets

Poilâne isn’t just a bakery, it’s the bakery, a Parisian institution that’s been making its legendary sourdough loaves for nearly a century. Apollonia Poilâne, the third-generation owner, takes you inside the magic with this book, blending history, technique and some unexpected recipes (sourdough croissants, anyone?).

Why You Need It: If you dream of baking like a French artisan, this book is pure inspiration. It’s part memoir, part bread masterclass, with recipes that bring a taste of Paris to your kitchen.

3. “Super Sourdough” by James Morton: Science Meets Simplicity

James Morton, a former Great British Bake Off finalist, is here to save you from sourdough disasters. His approach is no-fuss, science-driven and packed with clear, detailed steps. If you’ve ever wondered why your dough spreads instead of rises, Morton has the answers.

Why You Need It: Ideal for beginners who want hand-holding through the process but still crave that deep, complex sourdough flavour. Plus, his casual, witty tone makes learning feel like a chat with a baking-savvy friend.

4. “The Sourdough School” by Vanessa Kimbell: The Bread-Gut Connection

Baking isn’t just about taste. Vanessa Kimbell proves that sourdough is also about health. In The Sourdough School, she unpacks the science of fermentation, gut-friendly benefits and mindful baking. Her recipes don’t just make beautiful bread; they make bread that’s good for you.

Why You Need It: If you’re as interested in nutrition as you are in nailing the perfect loaf, this book is perfect. It’s where science, wellness and old-school bread baking collide.

5. “The Perfect Loaf” by Maurizio Leo: Meticulous Mastery

Maurizio Leo, the brains behind The Perfect Loaf blog, is obsessive about bread and it shows. This book is a deep, structured guide for serious bakers, covering everything from starter maintenance to perfecting hydration levels. It’s a book for the detail-oriented, the perfectionists, the ones who want to tweak every variable.

Why You Need It: If you love precision and crave consistency in your bakes, Maurizio is your bread guru. His explanations are incredibly thorough, making complex techniques feel approachable.

Final Crumb

Whether you want a classic French country loaf, a gut-friendly sourdough or the kind of rustic bread that would make Chad Robertson proud, these books have you covered. Each one offers something unique but all of them will make you a better baker.

So, preheat that oven, dust off your banneton and get ready to bake some seriously good bread. 🍞🔥

Want to Take Your Baking to the Next Level?

If you’re ready to put these lessons into practice, check out our range of baking kits and step-by-step video tutorials. Whether you need a foolproof sourdough starter kit, top-quality bannetons or expert guidance on shaping and scoring, we’ve got everything to help you bake like a pro.

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